Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD are often depressed. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. Women with ADD also are more likely to be unhappy when waiting, such as while waiting in line or waiting to get customer service.
ADD symptoms in females may fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, puberty, and in perimenopause and menopause. They can also be masked by estrogen, and could be less apparent in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADD are often troubled by their difficulty in staying focused on their work and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattention ADD symptoms can also cause problems with time management and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who don't have the disorder, even though both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms tend to be subtler. They may not be able complete their schoolwork or homework, and they might miss important lectures in class. They may also not be attentive when they attend meetings at work. Adults who struggle may also struggle to find work or keep a current job.
Inattentive ADD is more common in girls and women, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in boys and men. Often, these women and girls are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopause. Doctors are more likely to look for more obvious behavior-related signs of ADD in males, but do not recognize them in females or girls, especially during this time.
Women who are inattentional ADD are more likely to be frustrated due to their lack of concentration, which could result in anger or frustration. adhd symptoms adult are also more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that may harm their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to complete a task, she might quit and quit the room. Inability to remain focused on a particular task may result in her making careless mistakes that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. If your mood swings are intense, it can affect your daily routine. You might feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Frequent and severe mood swings may be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mood swings are when you suddenly go from feeling cheerful, upbeat or optimistic to feeling down or angry within just a few minutes. These changes can be triggered by many different things such as blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress or weather conditions. Certain drugs and substances can also trigger mood changes.
The majority of people experience occasional mood fluctuations however if you experience frequent and extreme mood swings, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Based on the reason there are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms, including medication, psychotherapy or other lifestyle treatments.
Women often experience mood shifts up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, depression, bloating and other discomforts. If you notice that your mood changes are more severe during this time, keep a detailed log to determine if you are able to identify the cause. This will make you feel more confident in making an appointment with your doctor. It will also provide some validation for your current state of mind.
Making changes to your diet, getting more rest and exercising as well as using relaxation techniques can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking a medications that cause these symptoms, changing the dosage or experimenting with a different medication may ease your symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act quickly and without thinking about the consequences. While some impulsive behaviors are normal, a persistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be a sign of ADD or a different condition. Someone who is impulsive may struggle to save money, or spending more than they could afford, or disclose personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty with activities that require planning like driving or working in law enforcement.
It's common for teenagers and children to be impulsive, however it's not uncommon for adults as well. It's important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships because of impulsive actions.
There are many causes of an impulsive behaviour, including the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors. An emotional stress history or trauma can trigger the impulsive behavior, and so can having a family member that suffers from a mental illness. Certain medications, like stimulant drugs and antidepressants, can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's also important to distinguish the impulsive behavior from compulsive ones, which are repetitive and ritualistic. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking the oven repeatedly are compulsive. On the other hand, impulse-driven behaviors, like purchasing something on impulse, are impulse-driven. The tendency to be impulsive is a female ADD symptom that is common particularly in girls who are experiencing PMS or puberty and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing disengaged during conversations or having difficulty completing chores like washing. In certain cases women's inattention or impulsiveness could lead to them being mistakenly diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or depression. This disorder can be treated with the appropriate medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous and worried at times, for example when you are preparing for an exam or public speaking engagement. If your feelings are intense and frequent, and interfere with your daily activities and last longer than is reasonable it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as heartbeats that are pounding or feeling like you're choking or having a heart attack.
Women with ADD are more prone to the emotional turmoil and downs that are associated with anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and irritable to minor irritations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time can cause these women to become extremely angry. They may flee, avoid the problem or abandon the task altogether.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger or threat and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. When anxiety takes over it can cause people to become debilitated.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include therapy and medication. The kind of therapy you will receive is dependent on the root cause. However both behavioral and cognitive approaches can help control your anxiety and worry.
To lessen anxiety, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a fast pace, releases brain chemicals that reduce stress. Join a support network or make a call or visit friends. Being around others can reduce loneliness and decrease anxiety. A therapist can help you learn methods to relax by using guided imagery or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.
